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Original poster

I can’t seem to park properly

35 replies

Lovetodream · 27/04/2019 20:40

I passed my driving test over a year ago, after months of sporadic driving, I’ve started going out more regularly due to being on maternity leave with DD aged 4 months. I’ve been driving a manual Ford Fiesta that I just about learnt to park using reference points. We recently upgraded to an automatic Discovery Sport with all the bells and whistles that I’ve been practising driving in. Whilst it’s nuch easier to drive around in generally I find myself utterly shit at reverse parking it due to the size. I just struggle to get a sense of how much to reverse to get into a bay. Anyone have any tips to make it easier? I’ve been practicing with DH when possible but it hasn’t ‘ clicked ‘ yet. Feeling quite frustrated by it so have been avoiding going at peak times but can’t avoid it forever. It’s taken a lot of practice to get to driving independently but feel I’ve taken a step backwards as I have no sense of it.

OP posts:

Nanamilly · 27/04/2019 20:42

Does it not have a parking aid?

DisastrousBee · 27/04/2019 20:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Lovetodream · 27/04/2019 20:48

To answer above the car does have sensors and a reverse camera, but I can’t get a sense of how much to steer and correct so find it tough in tight parking spaces.

OP posts:

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Driving & parking

User0ne · 27/04/2019 22:25

Stop using the"aids" and start using your mirrors. Go and practice on your own (or with baby - no DH) when it's quieter.

Take it slow and if you see that you're going to touch something/go over the line just stop and try again.

Practice makes perfect

RedForShort · 27/04/2019 22:31

To reverse into a bay try to line up your side mirror with the outside line of the bay two bays down. (If that makes any sense!)

There's a video on YouTube that describes it - seeing it helps you figure out the logistics.

Fairylea · 27/04/2019 22:36

I just never reverse park....

Been driving 10 years. I just never need to. Drive in, reverse out. Never (touch wood) had any accidents etc.

RedForShort · 27/04/2019 22:38

This is what I meant!!!!

From www.karensschoolofmotoring.co.uk/bay_(reverse)_parking

RedForShort · 27/04/2019 22:41

(No idea where random plant has come from!!!!)

BishopBrennansArse · 27/04/2019 22:41

Nice, though... the plant

GreenTulips · 27/04/2019 22:42

Plants are know parking aids!!

ReturnofSaturn · 27/04/2019 22:44

I never reverse park in. I just reverse out.

terriblyangryattimes · 27/04/2019 22:50

I too have never mastered the reverse bay park. Been driving for 14 years and husband is a driving instructor 🙈
I can parallel park but only on the left. Useless

tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz · 27/04/2019 22:59

Hi OP I agree lots of practice. I've been driving for 20+ years always in hatchback type cats and would happily park anyhow anywhere. We've recently got a Quashqai which I adore driving but cannot park it properly for shit . It's embarrassing, even DD 10 commented yesterday "mum that's not even slightly straight ". I don't know what's gone wrong. I think for me it's the illusion of the view of the bonnet from the drivers seat, you only see the curve part IYSWIM? And the height is really messing my brain too.

Yes, I too have rear camera and parking sensors front and back but I'm trying to do it without depending on them.

tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz · 27/04/2019 23:00

To clarify I'm driving a car not a cat.

Fairylea · 27/04/2019 23:01

I love this thread. I think I have found my people - those who can’t reverse park, post random pictures of plants and drive cats. It’s fabulous

skankingpiglet · 27/04/2019 23:02

Practise, practise, practise. Empty car park if necessary. If you really felt it would help I'm sure you could find an instructor to take you out in your car to help get it right?

Also it may be worth investing in a smaller car again whilst you get more confident (I'm assuming you could afford a cheap runaround if you can afford the Landy). A Discovery is quite a lump for a newly-qualified driver.

LesLavandes · 27/04/2019 23:19

Take a couple of extra driving lessons. I did. Noe I can only reverse park!

Gintonic · 27/04/2019 23:28

It has taken me years to get good at parking, it really is just practice. I agree with giving up the parking aids and reference points, you need to get a feel for how the car actually moves. Otherwise when you are in an unusual situation, like a big hole in the road or reversing down a narrow lane, you won't be able to.

One thing I do when going forwards into a parking space is I take a mental photograph of the line on the drivers side and I keep imagining where it is in relation to my car, so that once it goes out of sight under the car I still know where I am aiming for.

Also constantly checking the mirrors, and trying to imagine where the back wheels of the car are.

gamerchick · 27/04/2019 23:31

I go in forwards. I just gave up with reverse park.

I'm howling at the random plant

SuperCoop3r · 27/04/2019 23:41

Been driving 27 years. I have a mini. I cannot reverse park and haven't done so since
Passing my test aged 20

Works for me

Walnutwhipster · 27/04/2019 23:43

I think I'm a pretty decent driver. I've been driving over twenty five years, city centre, motorways, abroad but can't park for toffee. I bought my last car because it parks itself, problem solved.

Nanalisa60 · 27/04/2019 23:44

My husband often comes in the house and asks have you parked the car or abandoned it!!

mycatisblack · 27/04/2019 23:59

The Advanced Motoring organisation do fantastic videos that show you good driving techniques. Well worth a watch.

ilovepixie · 28/04/2019 00:08

I'm 50 and been driving since I was 25. I can't reverse or parallel park. If I can't get into a space I just drive on till I find somewhere I can park!

DianaPrincessOfThemyscira · 28/04/2019 00:16

It’s just practice I think. My current car doesn’t have sensors but I’ve driven a few hire cars with them, I hate them. They’re distracting and I have eyes and mirrors which are a lot more helpful.

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